Call to extend service tax deadline to Aug 20

In view of the difficulties faced by the corporates due to torrential rains in Maharshtra and Gujarat, industry body Assocham has sought extension of deadline for payment of service tax to August 20.

"Since the movements and business transactions have suffered a huge setback, particularly in entire Maharashtra and part of Gujarat, it is not possible for them to meet the deadline of August 5," Assocham president M K Sanghi said in a statement.

Rains have caused heavy industrial and manufacturing losses, as a result the corporates have not been able to record their invoices properly and their export consignments have not been moving, Sanghi said.

The chamber has appealed to the government to provide necessary respite to the Indian industry.